Course Synopsis:

Final Acceptance Testing

This module describes the steps and procedures a technician
must take to help ensure proper functionality and operation
of the installed or modified fire system. It includes information
on preparation, what tools and equipment you will need, the
required forms, NFPA testing requirements, discharge testing,
and how to verify sequence of operations and programming.
 WELCOME
Welcome to the special hazard fire suppression systems industry where life
safety is our passion.

What you do matters – your work can, and most likely will, save a life at
some point in your career.

We hope you embrace the information provided and make special

hazards fire protection your life’s work.
 Acceptance Test
Until now the Fire Protection System was still in the construction phase. That
phase started with construction drawings which were used to create shop
drawings. Shop drawings were approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Equipment was ordered, and mechanical, electrical, structural work was
performed by various trades. It is possible that changes needed to be made
during construction. Now it’s time to verify that all the installed equipment works
as specified.
 Preliminary Testing
Prior to the Final Acceptance, test as much equipment as possible so that
deficiencies can be corrected. The following items affect ability to do preliminary
testing:
• Power to the Fire Alarm Control Panel is usually one of the last priorities on the
Electrical Contractor’s scope of work. The Fire Alarm Contractor should try to use
temporary power so that programming and pre-testing the system does not have
to be done at the last minute.
• Surface mounted devices (pull stations, audible/visual devices, etc.) can not be
mounted until wall finishes are complete. This is because the walls are usually
painted or at least primed before the install of conduit and boxes for the surface
mounted devices.
• Smoke detector protective covers can not be removed until the construction
area is clean.
• Duct detectors can not be fully tested until HVAC systems are operational. Duct
Detector alarm and relay functions may sometimes be pre-tested prior to the
HVAC unit being operational. The shutdown function may be tested when the
shutdown wiring is connected to the duct detector shutdown relay.
 Preliminary Testing
• Remote monitoring stations are waiting for telephone lines to become
operational. The Fire Alarm System dialer, internal or external, requires two
dedicated phone lines or a CAT 5 internet connection. These should be ordered
at the beginning of the project so as not to delay the preliminary testing.
• The Fire Alarm System Shutdown Relays can be pre-tested to make sure
programming is correct once power to the control panel is available.
• Smoke dampers need to be tested to verify that they operate when required.
Typically this damper shuts off any fresh air or return air conditioning supplying the
hazard space.
• Door sweeps and seals are not installed. Door sweeps and seals are not needed
until the system is ready for final testing with AHJ. A preliminary door fan test can
be run to verify how close the room is to passing. Most of the time, depending on
the size of the room, the door fan test will pass without door seals and bottoms.
Sometimes there is only one door so the door fan test equipment will seal the
door jam.
• Suspended ceiling tiles are clipped around the Clean Agent Discharge nozzles.
 Final Testing Requirements
• Once the preliminary testing has been done and all equipment functions as designed
it’s time to schedule the final test.
• This test will be witnessed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
• That person could be the Local Fire Marshal, the owner's insurance company
representative, a third-party fire protection specialist, the owner’s in-house fire
protection specialist, or someone authorized by the General Contractor to witness the
testing.
• Each of the above may have a different way in which they want to perform the test.
• Always contact the AHJ prior to meeting for the final testing so that you can bring any
special forms or special equipment with you.
 Final Testing Requirements
• The owner or end user of the hazard area can not get his/her “Use and Occupancy”
permit until the Fire Protection system has been approved. Usually this is done on one
of the final days of the construction schedule. This is the one time that Fire Protection
becomes the focus and the General Contractor and End User.
• Personnel, inventory, and normal operations are not allowed in the space until the
system has its Final Acceptance test.
• The Preliminary Acceptance testing is very important because it permits correction of
deficiencies prior to the final test – thus expediting successful completion of the
project.
 The AHJ will usually expect:
• A current set of approved plans. This
set must be the most current. This
means that any changes that were
made during the construction phase
must be shown on the approved set.
• Sometimes walls are moved, fire
protection devices are relocated,
added or deleted.
• It is the responsibility of the testing
contractor to have all such changes
shown on a revised approved set of
shop drawings.
 Fire Alarm System Preparation
• The fire alarm system has been in an operational burn-in period during
construction for approximately two weeks and the fire alarm panel history
reveals no faults. During this two-week period the fire alarm dialer has been
connected to central station monitoring (not active) but placed in test mode
for 24 hours everyday.
• The Central Station Monitoring Company has been notified by the fire alarm
contractor to place the fire alarm system on test for a specific amount of
time.
• All fire alarm points have been tested, received and verified with central
station.
• A central station test report is requested verifying results. The dialer has been
tested for communication and supervision between central station and the
fire alarm system to verify proper operation.
• The remote station will be tested on the day of final commissioning.
Personnel Requirements/Notifications
• All occupants of the building have been notified that audible/visual alarms
will be activated when testing the connection between the Clean Agent
Control Panel and the Building Fire Alarm Control Panel. Prior to the
Acceptance test, equipment in the hazard area is typically being installed,
energized, and commissioned for operation.
• Shutdown of HVAC equipment, dampers, or power that could affect critical
cooling or equipment operation needs to be coordinated with all trades prior
to the Acceptance test.
• Be sure that you have enough personnel to conduct the test. Typically
multiple personnel are required when testing. One person is usually stationed
at the control panel for resetting and call out of device in alarm, another
person is at a remote annunciator to verify the proper information is
displayed, and one person is doing the actual test of the device.
 EQUIPMENT FOR
ACCEPTANCE TEST
The following slides show items which may be needed at the final
acceptance test.
• Canned smoke or Clean Room
smoke for smoke detectors.

• Heat Detector tester, or

combination detector test kit.
• Flame detectors often require proprietary testing equipment listed for
the hazard environment that the detector is protecting.
• Special reset tools for control heads and directional valves. Always refer
to the manufacturer for tools specific to their devices.

• Keys to open the control panel, annunciator, battery box, maintenance

disconnect switch, etc.
• Special tools to disarm all means of actuating a suppression system
during the test.
• A Fire Department hydrant flow kit.

• When verifying the clean agent

cylinder weight utilizing the internal
cylinder liquid level indicator, the
cylinder temperature is required.
• A db audible test meter.

• An intelligibility test meter for use with

voice evacuation systems.
A clean agent cylinder leakage meter. This would only be required if the
cylinder pressure gauge is reading low. Low pressure is most likely due to
low ambient temperatures where the cylinders are located. This tool can
verify that the cylinder is not leaking should the AHJ require proof.
• Specialized gas detection meters and calibration gases.
 Required Forms
• A witness sign-up sheet for all those who witness the acceptance testing.
• To be included in the close-out package:
• Start-up check list
• Commissioning forms
• Door fan test reports/signed by General Contractor and person conducting the
test. Provide separate copy of report for AHJ to keep.
• Discharge test reports
• Central station pre-test monitoring reports
• Fire Alarm Panel Start-up and pre-test print out
• NFPA test reports as applicable
 NFPA 2001 Specific Tests
• All clean agents are stored in pressurized containers. To be effective, a design
concentration needs to be achieved and held in the hazard. Steel piping is used to
deliver and disperse the clean agent throughout the protected space. All Clean
Agent fire suppression systems require specialized tests detailed in NFPA 2001.
Pneumatic Pipe Pressure Test:
• All of the piping network needs to be pressure tested in a closed-circuit using nitrogen
or other dry gas. The pipe is pressurized to at least 40 psi. After the pressure source is
removed the pressure inside of the pipe may not drop to less than 80% of the test
pressure in 10 minutes. If the piping contains no more then one change of direction
and the pipe has been physically checked for tightness, this test can be omitted. This
test verifies that all the sections of pipe have been properly tightened, not just hand
tightened. Some AHJ’s will allow a third party to witness this test prior to the final
acceptance test.
Please study the module on Pipe Puff and Pressure Testing for more detailed information on this test.
 A Pipe Flow Test (Puff Test)
This test uses nitrogen or inert gas to verify continuity of gas flow through the clean agent
pipe and that valves (i.e. check valves) are oriented properly. Gas pressure introduced
into the pipe must not exceed the normal operating pressure of the clean agent system.
The Puff test gas should be introduced at the clean agent cylinder connection (cylinders
disconnected and secured) and have enough volume to verify flow from each nozzle.
A visual means to verify gas flow is required at each nozzle. Placing a bag or latex glove
secured with a rubber band over the nozzle may serve this purpose. Some AHJ’s will
allow a third party to witness this test prior to the final acceptance test. When using a
high pressure gas like nitrogen, a regulator and suitably pressure rated hose and fittings
are required.
Please study the module on Pipe Puff
and Pressure Testing for more detailed
information on this test.
 Room Integrity Test (Door Fan Test)
A door fan test may or may not need to be conducted at the same time the Final
Acceptance test is being conducted. In order to get accurate readings during a door
fan test, no one will be permitted access to the room. This may cause problems with
other trades and the owner’s personnel who may need access to get the area ready for
production. Some AHJ’s will allow a third party to witness the test prior to the final
acceptance test. The AHJ will require documentation that the door fan test validated
the integrity of the protected enclosure. Each door fan manufacturer has proprietary
software that follows NFPA 2001 guidelines. Conducting a door fan test will require
training by the Door Fan Manufacturer. Also refer to NFPA 2001 Appendix C for detailed
guidance on conducting a door fan test.
Additional information is found in the Room Integrity Testing module of this
course.
Typical Door
Fan Test
Report
Room Integrity Test Leakage Checklist

• This is an easy to
use checklist for
possible areas of
leakage in a room
prior to conducting
the door fan test.
 Room Integrity Sealing
Recommendations
• NFPA 2001 requires the enclosure to be tested for integrity
to verify the enclosure is capable of retaining the agent
enriched atmosphere for the required hold time. A door
fan test in accordance with Annex C of NFPA 2001 is the
typical means of performing the required test.
• Pressure venting may be required to prevent damage to
the enclosure due to pressure differential across walls,
floor, or ceilings during agent discharge. Always verify
that any venting operates properly to an atmosphere
capable of handling the volume of the vented gas.
 Room Integrity Sealing Recommendations
• Sealing of the room is typically not the responsibility of the fire protection contractor. Our
role is to guide the responsible contractor in how to properly seal a hazard to contain the
clean agent gas.
• The information on the following slide should be sent to the company that we are working
for to be forwarded to the proper trade. Doing this early in the construction phase helps
eliminate any confusion regarding what is required to properly seal the hazard.
• It is also recommended that the number of door fan tests that will be conducted be
specified in the written contract. Often a general contractor will expect an endless
number of repeat tests when rooms do not pass the door fan test.
Room Integrity Sealing Recommendations
Items that need to be addressed when sealing a room for
containing Clean Agent Suppression Gas:
• Doors: All doors that exit a protected space, or lead into a different protected space
need to have the proper hardware installed to prevent the loss of clean agent gas.
Drop seals on the bottom of door, weather stripping around the jams, and
mechanical latching hardware will help prevent leakage after a discharge. Doors
that can not be kept normally closed should have self closing devices with
electromagnet door holders that release prior to a discharge.
• Windows: All windows inside of the hazard need to be caulked around the frame,
and at the gasket around the glass in the frame. Pay attention to sash, casing, and
any single pane grills if present.
• Ductwork: Ductwork that is no longer being used should be sealed off and made
airtight using metal plates screws and caulking. Building HVAC ductwork should have
butterfly type dampers with neoprene seals (smoke dampers). The dampers can be
spring loaded or closed by a motor (verify the discharge time delay is adequate for
the damper to close).
 Room Integrity Sealing Recommendations
Continued:
• Conduit: Conduit leading into and out of the hazard area needs to be sealed with a fire-
rated sealing material. Electrical boxes, receptacles, etc. need also be sealed to prevent
leakage after discharge.
• Self-Contained Air Handling Units: CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) units often
must be left in service after a discharge. Mission critical equipment that can not be
shutdown still requires cooling after a discharge. However unwanted subfloor
pressurization may accelerate leakage, or the air handler may be the source of the fire.
Therefore, when practical, shutting down the CRAC unit upon discharge is recommended.
• Perimeter Walls: All walls around the perimeter and between separate zones shall be
installed slab-to-slab. The wall shall be caulked inside at the top of the wall and at the
bottom of the wall. Walls that meet corrugated over head pan need to have the pockets
filled with a proper fire-rated material. Unrated canned spray foam is not an acceptable
rated wall sealant.
• Extended Raised Floors: Raised floors that extend outside of the protected hazard must
have a bulkhead installed under the raised floor where the protected area stops. The top
and bottom of the bulkhead needs to be sealed with caulk. Dampers located in walls
below the raised floor shall be installed following the duct work guidelines.
 Room Integrity Sealing Recommendations
Continued:
• Floor Drains: All floor drains shall have traps that are designed to have water in them or a
non-evaporating approved liquid to keep the agent/air mixture from leaking through the
drain.
• Block Walls: All block walls are porous and need to be sealed. Walls should be painted
with two or three coats of paint from floor to the ceiling. Block walls covered by drywall
which extends above the ceiling must be painted and the joint between the drywall and
the block sealed.
• Cable Trays: Cable trays that pass through the perimeter wall must have proper rated
pillows or caulk to fill in the voids around the cables.
• Sealing Material: All caulk and material used for sealing must have a fire rating at least
equal to the rating of the wall assembly being sealed.
• Clean Agents: Clean Agents require calculation of required area of leakage so as not to
over pressurize the enclosure during a discharge. Refer to manufacturer’s guidelines to
determine the proper amount of pressure relief.
• Leakage: Many clean agents are heavier than air and settle after a discharge. Leakage
below the raised floor is more critical than above the suspended ceiling. The design
concentration must be maintained at the level of the highest combustibles in the
enclosure. Typical required hold time after a discharge is ten minutes.
NPFA Required Forms
• For sprinkler and alarm
systems, NFPA 13 Standard
for Installation of Sprinkler
Systems and NFPA 72
National Fire Alarm Code
forms must be filled out
prior to final acceptance.
The forms can be found in
each code.
NFPA 13 Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems

Contractor’s Material and Test Certificate for Above Ground Piping is a document that is
required when any work has been performed on any new or existing sprinkler system.
 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code
• Fire Alarm System
Record of Completion
needs to be
completed prior to
the Final Acceptance
testing of any of the
Fire Alarm Systems
including those with
Releasing Control
Panels.
 Discharge Testing
• When required, a gaseous agent system may have to be discharged to verify the
agent is dispersed properly and the design concentration is achieved at the proper
height in the hazard.
• Prior to the advent of NFPA 2001 clean agent gases, the fire protection industry used
Halon 1301 and it was fairly common to discharge test systems in order to verify gas
dispersion and concentration. By the late 1980’s there was mounting evidence that
Halon 1301 was one of the refrigerant gases contributing to depletion of stratospheric
ozone. Discharge testing of systems became very rare.
• The Halon substitutes listed in NFPA 2001 have virtually no ozone depletion potential.
NFPA 2001 permits, but does not require, discharge tests of clean agent system to be
included as part of the final acceptance requirements. Discharge testing of clean
agent systems may be done to verify agent concentration and dispersion within a
protected hazard.
• NFPA 12 requires carbon dioxide systems to pass a full discharge test as part of final
acceptance.
 Discharge Testing (continued)
• For total flooding systems, a concentration
meter is used to record the achieved
concentration over a period of time (hold
time).
• Many meters record concentrations on paper
tapes.
• Meters with digital outputs are available to
save data in digital file format.

Typical three-point
concentration meter with
paper strips to record
concentration
measurements.
 Discharge Testing (continued)
• The meter typically is connected to sampling hoses which are located inside of the
hazard. One sample point is usually located at the elevation of highest piece of
equipment to be protected, then the next two are at the midway point and at the
bottom of the protected equipment. The meter itself is usually located outside of the
protected space.

• Just before the discharge test, paper recording strips are

zeroed. Digital meters must be set per the meter
manufacturer’s instruction.
• Always make sure that the toggle switch is set for the correct
fire suppression gas being tested.
• Make sure that the AC power to the meter will not shut off
once the system has discharged.
• A typical discharge test will require 10 to 20 minutes of
recording time after the system has discharged.
 Discharge Testing (continued)
• The meter typically is connected to sampling hoses which are located inside of the
hazard. One sample point is usually located at the elevation of highest piece of
equipment to be protected, then the next two are at the midway point and at the
bottom of the protected equipment. The meter itself is usually located outside of the
protected space.

• Just before the discharge test, paper recording strips

are zeroed.
• Always make sure that the toggle switch is set for the
correct fire suppression gas being tested.
• Make sure that the AC power to the meter will not
shut off once the system has discharged.
• A typical discharge test will require 10 to 20 minutes of
recording time after the system has discharged.
Gas concentration meters like gas detectors require calibration (refer to the manufacturer’s
guidelines for their recommended frequency of calibration). This concentration meter
requires calibration on a yearly basis. Always have a copy of the certificate of calibration
available to give to the AHJ. Some meters come with field calibration kits to permit a
calibration check immediately prior to the discharge test.

Toggle Switch – Check for Correct

Setting Typical sample tube
and recording paper
 Discharge Testing (continued)
• Prior to performing a discharge test of a halocarbon clean agent
system, the Voluntary Code of Practice for the Reduction of Emissions of
HFC & PFC Fire Protection Agents should be taken into consideration.
This code was endorsed by FSSA in March 2002 and can be found at
http://www.harc.org/vcopdocument.pdf
Carbon Dioxide Discharge Testing
NOTE: The following is a brief overview of information on carbon dioxide discharge
testing. See the CO2 System Safety module in Period 3 of this FSSA training course for
further essential information. It is likewise essential to become familiar with the
information contained in NFPA 12 and the system manufacturer’s guidance.
• Carbon Dioxide is lethal in the concentrations typically used in fire suppression
systems. Therefore it is imperative that extra caution is used when conducting a CO2
concentration test. Since CO2 is heavier than air the discharged gas will need to be
naturally or mechanically removed from the tested area after the test. When a
concentration meter is used, it can be left running to document the removal of the
gas.
• Since most deaths from exposure to CO2 have come from accidental discharges, it is
a good time to inform the end user of the dangers of discharge CO2 gas. Also verify
that warning signs that conform to NFPA 12 are installed.
 Carbon Dioxide Discharge Testing
• Total flood systems require recording of
the carbon dioxide concentration as
part of the discharge test. The
measurement must confirm that the
design concentration is achieved and is
maintained for the required time.
• Local Application systems do not require
recording of the carbon dioxide
concentration as part of the discharge
test. Discharge from local application
nozzles is visually observed to check that
each nozzle in the system discharges Local Application Nozzle (front left)
liquid CO2 for the required time and that fails to discharge carbon dioxide –
the discharge fully covers the protected corrective action is needed.
hazard.
Actual CO2 Concentration Meter Test
Strips and Report
• Each vertical line is a
minute in time and
each horizontal line
from the bottom up
is 10%. In this test, the
initial concentration
recorded was
approximately 60%.

Field calibration of the meter should be done after the meter has warmed up
and prior to the discharge test.
This is an example of a typical report as sent to an end
user documenting the test results. This report documented
that the end user did not want the system armed and the
required warning signs had not been installed.
 CO2 Discharge
Safety Checklist for
Marine Systems
 Sequence of Operation
• Verify occurrence of the
approved Sequence of
Operation when conducting
the Final Acceptance Test with
the AHJ.
Prior to conducting the Acceptance Test a form should be created
which can be used as a checklist during the test. This list is then
signed by the AHJ documenting the testing that was done.
An excellent reference document to use in developing checklists for
inspection and related testing of fire protection systems in the FSSA
Fire Protection Systems Inspection Form Guidelines. This guide lists the
procedures that should be done for many types of fire protection
systems.
Thank you!